Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids

things to do in los angeles with kids

Need some things to do in Los Angeles with Kids?  Here is a great list of 48 things to do with your kids in Los Angeles separated by the type of activity it is.

 

Animals and Nature in Los Angeles

Mount Wilson Observatory
Leave the stress of the city below and drive to Mount Wilson Observatory with your kids! The Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) is an astronomical observatory in Los Angeles County and also the home of two historically important telescopes: the Hale telescope and the Hooker telescope.
Learn more here.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Discover and appreciate the wonder of other living things with your kids! Visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and teach and inspire your kids how to preserve wildlife.
Learn more here.

Griffith Park Observatory
Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. Let your kids observe and play with their imagination through exposure to the awe and wonder inherent in astronomy!
Learn more here.

 

Attractions and Landmarks in Los Angeles

Travel Town
The northwest corner of Griffith Park is the destination for train enthusiasts and curious kids. Travel Town, open all week, is a “railroad petting zoo” full of historic rail stock like an 1880 Southern Pacific locomotive and an 1881 Union Pacific caboose that also does a good job explaining how the railroads helped build Southern California.
Learn more here.

Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on American life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example. Encompassing more than 300,000 square feet, its exhibits and lifelike dioramas feature more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Learn more here.

Olvera St.
Visit this Mexican Marketplace located in the El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument on the general site of the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles. Come and explore Mexican and Latino shopping and dining experiences with the whole family!
Learn more here.

 

Fun and Games in Los Angeles 

Peekaboo Playland
Peekaboo Playland is a popular hang-out for children as well as their parents or caregivers. Besides numerous arts and crafts, there’s an inflatable bounce house, a tube slide, and plenty of games, puzzles and toys. Peekaboo Playland offers a variety of classes for children, including art workshops, music events, specially designed workouts, even a playful version of Pilates.
Learn more here.

Play
Play specializes in music and art, and all of our activities are designed for children to participate in along with parents or caregivers. In the design of our space and of our programs, we strive to create an environment that encourages exploration, and is fun and exciting both for kids and their adults.
Learn more here.

Giggles N’ Hugs
Giggles N’ Hugs is the first and only restaurant that brings together high-end, organic food with active, cutting-edge play and entertainment for children.
Learn more here.

The Treehouse Social Club
Have great family fun day out at The Treehouse Social Club! The Treehouse Social Club’s showcase piece is a treehouse surrounded by a safe, picket fenced area for toddlers 3 and below, an arts and crafts area and a room for age 3 and above with iMac computers and a Wii.
Learn more here.

Echo Park
Relax and spend the weekend with your family at Echo Park!
Learn more here.

 

Kid-Friendly Eats in Los Angeles

Zankou Chicken
Try middle-eastern food with your kids here!
Learn more here.

 

Village Pizzeria
Try handmade pizzas and calzones made from scratch with your family – dough made in house daily, pizza sauce with fresh local herbs and the finest California tomato products.
Learn more here.

 

The Apple Pan
Try this reastaurant locally famous for its hamburgers and apple pies served with vanilla ice cream with your kids.
Learn more here.

 

Siete Mares
Don’t miss to try their seafood all over your tostada, taco and burrito with your family.
Learn more here.

 

Shik Do Rak
Try this good korean bbq place and don’t miss to eat their delicious seafood pancake, dumplings, and jap chae (noodles).
Learn more here.

 

Philippe the Original
Don’t dare to miss eating at the one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles.
Learn more here.

 

Pazzo Gelato
The freshest, purest, tastiest, handmade gelato in LA!
Learn more here.

 

Palms Thai
Thai cuisine has become an international phenomenon and it’s here to prove it to you.
Learn more here.

 

Ocean Seafood
They used to be one of the best dim sum restaurants in the area, one of the best Chinese restaurants
Learn more here.

 

Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine
Nyala is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been serving the Los Angeles area since 1988.
Learn more here.

 

La Parrilla
Come to the home of the .50 Taco in Compton with your family.
Learn more here.

 

Grand Central Market
Don’t dare to go to the first open air market in the city of Los Angeles.
Learn more here.

 

Clifton’s Cafeteria
Try the oldest surviving cafeteria style eatery in Los Angeles and the largest public cafeteria in the world with your family.
Learn more here.

 

Carney’s
Try this hot dog and burger restaurant in a yellow Union Pacific rail car on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California with your kids.
Learn more here.

 

Asahi Ramen
Enjoy their good and cheap Japanese ramen with your kids.
Learn more here.

Beard Papa’s
Try their Fresh’n natural cream puffs with your kids.
Learn more here.

 

Live Performances in Los Angeles

 

Staples Center
Visit this large multi-purpose sports arena in Downtown Los Angeles and home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Learn more here.

 

Hollywood Bowl
Go to this amphitheater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California, United States that is used primarily for music performances.
Learn more here.

 

Bob Baker Marionette Theater
The oldest children’s theater company in Los Angeles.
Learn more here.

 

Greek Theatre
Visit this 5,870-seat greek theatre, located at Griffith Park, in Los Angeles, California.
Learn more here.

 

American Girl Place
Visit the place of the 18-inch doll that portrays nine– to eleven–year–old girls of a variety of ethnicities. They are sold with accompanying books told from the viewpoint of the girls.
Learn more here.

 

Local Unique in Los Angeles

New Beverly Cinema
Visit this historic movie theater located in Los Angeles, California, United States
Learn more here.

 

Farmer’s Market
Don’t forget to visit this area of food stalls, sit-down eateries, prepared food vendors, and produce markets in Los Angeles, California.
Learn more here.

 

Museums, Exhibits and Art Galleries in Los Angeles

Skirball Cultural Center and Museum
Visit this educational institution in Los Angeles, California devoted to sustaining Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals.
Learn more here.

 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
It opened in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, United States in 1913 as the Museum of History, Science, and Art.
Learn more here.

 

Museum of Tolerance
Visit this multimedia museum in Los Angeles, California, United States, designed to examine racism and prejudice around the world with a strong focus on the history of the Holocaust.
Learn more here.

LACMA Boone Children’s Gallery
A place for kids and families to learn about brush painting and art from Korea and China.
Learn more here.

 

Getty Center
The museum specializes in “pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts
Learn more here.

 

California Science Center/IMAX
Visit this state agency and museum located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.
Learn more here.

 

Autry National Center
Visit this museum dedicated to bringing together the stories of all peoples of the American West, connecting the past with the present to inspire our shared future
Learn more here.

 

Shopping in Los Angeles

Westwood Village
Visit this main shopping and commercial center of the Westwood district in the City of Los Angeles, California with your family.
Learn more here.

 

The Grove at the Farmers Market
Visit this retail and entertainment complex in Los Angeles, California
Learn more here.

Secret Headquarters
Dont forget to buy boards, bags and both short and long boxes.
Learn more here.

 

La La Ling
Visit this contemporary baby & kids lifestyle boutique providing Los Angeles with a unique, fresh and different hub of fashion, accessories and furnishings for cool babies, kids and their fashion and design-savvy parents.
Learn more here.

 

Amoeba Records
An independent music chain with stores in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.
Learn more here.

 

Aahs
The Ultimate gift store, with a large selection of Gifts,Novelties, Party Supplies, Toys, Gag Gifts, Clothing, Halloween, Movie and Music related items.
Learn more here.

 

Sports in Los Angeles

Dodger Stadium
Visit this stadium in Los Angeles located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles.
Learn more here.

 

Waterparks in Los Angeles

Lego land Water Park
Visit this theme park and miniature park located in Carlsbad, California, based around the Lego toy brand with your kids.
Learn more here.

 

Things To Do with Kids in San Francisco

There are TONS of things to do with kids in San Francisco!  Whether you want to see nature, a historical landmark, kid-friendly foods, live performances, shopping, or children museums…San Fran has it all!  See some of the many local options below to get your kids out for the day in this wonderful city!

 

 

Animals and Nature in San Francisco

Steinhart Aquarium
Visit this one of the largest museums of natural history in the world.
Learn more here.

Mountain Lake Park
Enjoy this park in the Richmond District neighborhood, located north of the intersection of Lake and Funston.
Learn more here.

Angel Island
Visit this island in San Francisco Bay that offers expansive views of the San Francisco skyline.
Learn more here.

Conservatory of Flowers
Visit this greenhouse and botanical garden that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants in Golden Gate Park.
Learn more here.

Attractions and Landmarks in San Francisco

Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar
Visit this restaurant and tiki bar in the Fairmont San Francisco hotel.
Learn more here.

Mission Dolores
Visit this oldest surviving structure in San Francisco and the sixth religious settlement established as part of the California chain of missions.
Learn more here.

Maritime National Historical Park
Visit this fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility.
Learn more here.

Golden Gate Bridge
Enjoy the breathtaking view of this suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, the mile-wide, three-mile-long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Learn more here.

Coit Tower
Visit this 210-foot tower in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
Learn more here.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Visit this northern waterfront area of San Francisco
Learn more here.

Camera Obscura
Have a glimpse of this large-scale camera obscura and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more here.

Alcatraz
Visit this small and historic island located in the San Francisco Bay.
Learn more here.

 

Kid-friendly Eats in San Francisco

Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar
Offers a tropical and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, dancing and a rain storm.
Learn more here.

The Grubstake
Enjoy their cooked-to-order burgers and breakfasts—as well as full meals and house-made desserts
Learn more here.

Tartine Bakery
Enjoy baked goods made with organic flour and local eggs.
Learn more here.

Taqueria Cancun
Try this popular Mexican place that’s been around for years.
Learn more here.

Tadich Grill
Try this seafood restaurant and has been for over 160 years.
Learn more here.

St. Francis Fountain
Visit the home of hearty breakfasts, top-rated hamburgers, and classic soda fountain desserts.
Learn more here.

Scoma’s
Visit the San Francisco waterfront restaurant steeped in a family history of quality and service.
Learn more here.

Sam Wo
Visit this “infamous hole-in-the-wall” Chinese restaurant in San Francisco, California
Learn more here.

Luna Park
Try this delicious moderately-priced cuisine on Valencia Street in the San Francisco Mission District
Learn more here.

Molinari Delicatessen
Enjoy their salami, great rolls and of course delicious sandwiches.
Learn more here.

North Beach
Visit this little Italian town in Sn Francisco.
Learn more here.

Japantown
Visit this largest and oldest such enclave in the United States.
Learn more here.

Herbivore the Earthly Grill — Valencia Street
Enjoy this vegan restaurant that offers an international menu and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Learn more here.

House of Nanking
Visit this Chinese restaurant located in Chinatown, San Francisco
Learn more here.

Hang Ah Tea Room
Enjoy this Dim Sum restaurant in Chinatown.
Learn more here.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Enjoy this down to earth micro brewery restaurant .
Learn more here.

Ghirardelli Square

Visit this landmark with shops and restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of San Francisco, California.
Learn more here.

Cheesecake Factory
Visit this full-service restaurant, specializing in cheesecakes for dessert.
Learn more here.

Caffe Trieste
Visit this chain of six Italian-themed coffeehouse plus one retail store
Learn more here.

Burma Superstar
Visit the home of original Samusa Soup, Rainbow Salad, and Burma Cooler!
Learn more here.

Bi-Rite
We make all of our ice cream by hand, in small batches
Learn more here.

Beach Chalet
Treat Your Loved Ones to The Gift of a Great Dining Experience.
Learn more here.

Live Performances in San Francisco

San Francisco School of Circus Arts
One of the foremost circus schools in the western United States.
Learn more here.

Beach Blanket Babylon
Great wholesome entertainment for the whole family.
Learn more here.

Local Unique in San Francisco

Westin St. Francis Glass Elevator
Historic luxury hotel located on Powell and Geary Streets on Union Square in San Francisco, California.
Learn more here.

Wave Organ
Great mini excursion for anyone looking to get away from the Fisherman’s Wharf crowds
Learn more here.

Union Square
A 2.6-acre public plaza bordered by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton Streets in San Francisco
Learn more here.

USS Pampanito
A Balao-class submarine, was a United States Navy ship, the only one named for the pompano fish.
Learn more here.

Top of The Mark
A rooftop bar located at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel on Nob Hill at California
Learn more here.

San Francisco Ghost Hunt
A two hour walk with several haunted places, many ghost stories, and even some magic.
Learn more here.

Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Regular visitors to our bird feeder.
Learn more here.

Inner Richmond District
Practical and comfortable neighborhood with a citywide reputation for fantastic restaurants.
Learn more here.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
A fortune cookie company located in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco.
Learn more here.

Cable Car Museum
Free museum in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
Learn more here.

49 Mile Drive
Designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco.
Learn more here.

Museums, Exhibits and Art Galleries in San Francisco

Zeum
A hands-on, multimedia arts and technology museum for kids of all ages
Learn more here.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
A modern art museum located in San Francisco
Learn more here.

Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf
Don’t dare to miss to see those 270 wax figures.
Learn more here.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
Offers museums and attractions in multiple countries focusing on odd and amazing things.
Learn more here.

Musee Mecanique
A for-profit interactive museum consisting of 20th-century penny arcade games and artifacts
Learn more here.

Exploratorium
A museum in San Francisco whose stated mission is to change the way the world learns
Learn more here.

Cartoon Art Museum
A California art museum that specializes in the art of comics and cartoons.
Learn more here.

California Academy of Sciences
Among the largest museums of natural history in the world.
Learn more here.

Outdoor fun in San Francisco

Stow Lake Boat and Bike Rentals
The heart of Golden Gate Park and offers environmentally-friendly boat rentals.
Learn more here.

Presidio
A park and former military base on the northern tip of the San Francisco.
Learn more here.

Ride a Bike to Sausalito
Enjoy biking at Sausalito with the family.
Learn more here.

Golden Gate Park
A large urban park consisting of 1,017 acres of public grounds.
Learn more here.

Shopping in San Francisco

Scroungers’ Center for Reusable Art
This is an incredible help for crafts, art, and various other projects on a budget.
Learn more here.

Schein & Schein
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach District and just off the square in Sonoma
Learn more here.

Little Fish Boutique
A beautiful store full of unique clothing and accessories for infants and children as well as men and women
Learn more here.

Green Apple Books
San Francisco independent bookseller, 38 years in business.
Learn more here.

Chinatown Kite Shop
Go fly a kite, it is fun to relax half day in the warm Autumn sun.
Learn more here.

Chinatown — San Francisco
Centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street in San Francisco
Learn more here.

Sports in San Francisco

San Francisco Giants
Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco
Learn more here.

Things To Do with Kids in Fresno

Attractions and Landmarks in Fresno

Looking for some great things to do with kids in Fresno?  This list is a great place to start…there are plenty of fun things to do for kids here!

Valdez Hall
The Valdez Hall is one of the premier performing arts and convention center sites in California’s Central Valley. Come to watch dance concerts, conventions and other special events with your kids!
Learn more here.

River Park Shopping Center
River Park is North Fresno’s ultimate lifestyle destination for food, entertainment and shopping in a spectacular outdoor ambiance. Dine in and try new meals with your kids!
Learn more here.

Forestiere Underground Gardens
Forestiere Underground Gardens is a complex of underground caverns, grottos, patios and garden courts encircling the underground home of Baldasare Forestiere. Come and share the great story of Baldasare Forestiere with your kids here!
Learn more here.

Downtown Fresno
Downtown is just minutes from other major Fresno attractions that are highly accessible from downtown. Shop, dine and stay as well as to visit Central California’s arts scene thrives with the whole family.
Learn more here.

The Tower District
The Tower District is Fresno’s dining, arts and entertainment district. Dine on a one-of-a-kind meal, window shop for a locally produced treasure, visit a gallery, enjoy a specialty coffee or tea, take in a live show, listen to a live band, sit on a beautiful patio with a cocktail, or attend one of our incredible monthly special events. One visit is all it takes to fall in love with the Tower!
Learn more here.

Cracked Pepper Bistro
Cracked Pepper Bistro is a great fine dining restaurant in Fresno, California, that specializes in contemporary American and European cuisine that’s prepared daily with fresh, local, and seasonal products.
Learn more here.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Eat dinner with your kids at one of the finest steakhouse in Fresno!
Learn more here.

Teazer World Tea Market
Stop by Teazer to experience and explore the wonderful world of Tea culture with your family.
Learn more here.

Sam’s Italian Deli & Market
Who would say no to Italian food? Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is a slice of Italy that is not far away from home. Kids will surely love the new taste brought by authentic Italian food!
Learn more here.

 

 

Things To Do with Kids in Oakland

Attractions and Landmarks for Things to do with Kids in Oakland

Chinatown
A pan-Asian neighborhood which reflects Oakland’s diverse Asian American community.
Learn more here.

Mazzariello Labyrinth: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
A labyrinth in Oakland that was created by Helena Mazzariello. It is in the shape of a classic labyrinth and has also been called the Volcanic Witch Project.
Learn more here.

The Cathedral of Christ the Light
The cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland in Oakland, California. It is the seat of the Bishop of Oakland.
Learn more here.

Mountain View Cemetery
A large 226-acre cemetery in Oakland, California.
Learn more here.

USS Potomac
Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945.
Learn more here.

Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar

 

A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete without experiencing The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar. Yes it’s a bar, but it’s also a restaurant that children won’t want to miss. The Pan-Pacific Rim menu is tasty but what makes the place so special, so impossible to miss, is the artificial thunderstorms that come on the hour while a full band plays on a boat in a moat. You’ll be blown away as the kids sip soda and you enjoy one of the Tonga’s famous Mai Tais.

Contact no: (415) 772-5278

Location: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

Learn more here.

Skyline Hills Recreation Center

One baseball field, one soccer field, two outdoor basketball courts, a tot lot and areas for picnics and other leisure activities, two meeting rooms, a craft room, a weight room, and a large indoor basketball court.

Contact number: (619) 527-3486

Location: 8285 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114

Learn more here.

Morley Field Sports Complex

photo from BalboaPark.org

 

25 tennis courts, Bud Kearns swimming pool, a senior center, a tiny tots play area, group picnic areas, an archery range, a multi purpose ball field, a velodrome (bicycle track), boccie courts, a disc golf course, a fitness parcourse, Petanque courts, Balboa Park Golf Course, native trails located in Florida Canyon, Golden Hill Recreation Center and Golden Hill Park

Contact number:

(619) 525-8262
Location:

“2221 Morley Field Drive
San Diego, CA 92104”
Learn more here.

Sutter’s Fort

 

Kids young and old can learn about Sacramento’s early history at Sutter’s Fort Historical State Park. This Midtown attraction is an actual fort, not a figurative one, with walls 2 feet thick and about 17 feet high. There are hands-on activities and scheduled events throughout the year.

 

Contact no: (916) 445-4422
 
Location: 2701 L St., Sacramento, CA 95816
 
Learn more here.